Garland Barker

Garland F. Barker, age 72, of Garland, Texas, passed away on Sunday, March 20, 2022. Garland was born July 24, 1949 in Louisville, Kentucky to parents James Douglas Barker and Nancy Catherine Rogers Barker. He was a quiet, intelligent and a loving man to his large and extended family. He enjoyed crossword puzzles, online gaming and time spent with family. Garland survived his early boyhood battle with polio that left him with a shortened leg and a limp that worsened with age. At age 15, he underwent heart surgery to repair residual damage from the polio. The University of Michigan Medical School used his innovative surgical procedure as a teaching tool for future cardiovascular surgeons for years to follow. After serving as General Traffic Manager for Muirhead Trucking in Mabank, Texas for many years, Garland was forced to retire due to health reasons. Garland expressed his gratitude and love to brother Jim and wife Margarette who opened their home to him for the last 9 years of his life. They were his caretakers and companions. Their unselfish commitment to his well being served to remind all of the true meaning of family.

Affectionately nicknamed “Spark” by his late father, Garland was preceded in death by his father, James Douglas Barker; brothers, Steven Douglas Barker and infant Max Barker; and son, David Barker. Garland is survived by his mother, Nancy Catherine Barker of Mesquite, Tx; children, Kenneth Barker of San Angelo, Tx., Christina Barker Pulfer of Howell, Mi.; Robert Barker of Howell, MI.; Cherie Hester-Jackson of Louisville, KY.; siblings, Don Barker (Diana) of Carrollton, Tx.; Jim Barker (Margarette) of Garland, Tx.; Marva Barker of Mesquite, Tx.; Nancy Barker-Linz of Sun City, Az.; John Barker of Jackson, Mi.; Lydia Barker Klaczynski (Ed) of Lexington, Ky.; Betty Barker Simmons (Ricky) of Gun Barrel City, Tx.; 11 grandchildren along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A Graveside Service will be held Sunday, March 27, 2022 at 2:00pm; located at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Mabank, TX.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eubankcedarcreek.com for the Barker family.